CHIEF Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has welcomed 41 new police officers into the Essex Police family at a passing out parade.

The ceremony took place at the force HQ in Chelmsford on Friday, 24 November.

The recruits passed out in front of family, friends, Chief Constable Harrington, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, High Sheriff Charles Bishop and Lincoln Brookes, senior Coroner for Essex.

A police statement said: "This new group of officers are joining at a time when crime is falling across the county, with 10,878 fewer victims in the last year, a reduction of six per cent."

Speaking determinedly to the parade, Mr Harrington said: "You are joining at a time when we are making a real difference in our communities with crime going down - something we will strive to continue together into 2024 and beyond.

"We are catching criminals, as we saw recently with a third man convicted of the violent robbery at cyclist Mark Cavendish's home along with the many thousands of people put before the courts as a result of our work every year.

"So, to those who would do harm - you must be determined and relentless in your pursuit of justice. 

"To those who are victims of crime - you must be caring and compassionate. 

"To those you work with - you must be dedicated and diligent. And to all you meet, you must be respectful and trustworthy.

"Being a police officer is not easy, but it is a varied, challenging and rewarding role and I hope you are proud, as I am, to wear the uniform and serve our communities."

Turning to the importance of White Ribbon Day, which takes place on Saturday 25 November, Chief Constable Harrington said 5,214 fewer domestic offences had taken place in Essex in the last year – and he vowed to continue driving that number down.

He added: "As a force, we are focussed on reducing Violence Against Women and Girls and on the eve of White Ribbon Day, which aims to raise awareness to break the cycle of abuse, I pledge along with many senior leaders and colleagues that Essex Police will continue to work tirelessly to tackle violence against woman and girls by pursuing offenders, prioritising the perpetrators that cause the most harm and supporting and empowering victims to secure justice and peace to live their lives free of fear."